Trump walks out of interview with NBC’s Meet the Press after clash over election claims

Donald Trump walked out of an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press after he repeatedly made false claims that the US 2020 presidential elections was rigged in 2020 and questions around compensation for those charged in the January 6 insurrection.The US president’s abrupt exit came during a tense exchange between himself and NBC’s Kristen Welker during a Friday interview in Wisconsin that aired on Sunday.Trump falsely claimed that the California gubernatorial race was “rigged” while asserting untrue claims of cheating in the 2020 US presidential elections.“It’s four days and they aren’t even close to counting [ballots],” Trump argued, as Welker argued that is standard for California’s election process. Trump also claimed that Republican candidates in the state weren’t performing well. Current polls have forecasted a tight race between Democratic frontrunner Xavier Becerra, who advanced to the general November election, and Republican politician Steve Hilton.When Welker asked the president for any evidence on the gubernatorial race being fraudulent, he also accused the veteran reporter of being “crooked”.“They’re crooked, just like you’re crooked, your press is crooked. And Meet the Press is crooked,” said Trump.Welker then defended herself and tried to ask additional questions, with Trump replying: “You’re either crooked or you’re stupid. You play right into their hands with this crap. You know that these elections are rigged. Your network knows that they’re rigged.”Trump then brought up previously repeated claims that he won the 2020 US presidential election, assertions that remain unverified.When Welker later tried to ask additional questions, Trump continued to assert that NBC was “crooked” and ended the interview. “Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough,” said Trump, taking off his microphone. “Thank you, darling. Have a good time.”As Welker reminded Trump that she traveled to Wisconsin for the interview, Trump replied: “I’ve sat in the rain with you for an hour. On and off in the rain and I’ve given you enough time. You oughta straighten out your press.”Earlier in the interview, Trump also became irritated as Welker asked if those who pleaded guilty to assaulting police officers during the January 6 riots would be eligible for funding included in Trump’s controversial “anti-weaponization” fund.Trump claimed – sans evidence – that rioters were actually invited into the US Capitol by FBI agents and took plea deals due to fears of longer prison sentences.“You know why they pleaded guilty? Because they were told they were going to jail for 15 years … because they were frightened. They were down. They were ushered into a building,” Trump said, refusing to answer if such individuals should receive taxpayer funding.A representative of NBC News did not return the Guardian’s request for comment on Trump’s exit.